i just saw an episode, and she was laughing and it seemed kinda fake. Myabe to me she sometimes comes across as a "i hob nob with high aristocracy like the Obamas" type.

Sometimes I think it's a nervous laugh or for the camera. But, I can see why she might come across with an elitist or pretentious attitude. She is in the Hamptons afterall. Actually, she did work at the White House back in the 70's, so maybe she still has connections. Still seems like a sweetie though. And I love the simplicity of many of her recipes.

Still playing with the menu, but for sure the turkey will be on the grill - always turns out perfect, so why mess with a good thing. Roasted & caramelized butternut squash. Something with broccoli for green cuz I hate all those creamy sides like green bean casserole, probably just roasted plain. Herbed apple and cranberry stuffing. Homemade cranberry sauce - haven't come up with a recipe yet - the one with port and figs was good, but I want something different this year. I suppose there's gotta be mashed potatoes of some sort - probably garlic and herb - which means gravy Fresh baked whole grain and seeds bread with my cherry almond jam. For sure making a sweet potato pie with mascarpone and Chantilly cream. Apple crisp. Assorted cheeses and fruits, wines and Prosecco. 9-13 people

Still playing with the menu, but for sure the turkey will be on the grill - always turns out perfect, so why mess with a good thing. Roasted & caramelized butternut squash. Something with broccoli for green cuz I hate all those creamy sides like green bean casserole, probably just roasted plain. Herbed apple and cranberry stuffing. Homemade cranberry sauce - haven't come up with a recipe yet - the one with port and figs was good, but I want something different this year. I suppose there's gotta be mashed potatoes of some sort - probably garlic and herb - which means gravy Fresh baked whole grain and seeds bread with my cherry almond jam. For sure making a sweet potato pie with mascarpone and Chantilly cream. Apple crisp. Assorted cheeses and fruits, wines and Prosecco. 9-13 people

Cut off and discard the ends of each butternut squash. Peel the squash, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch cubes and place them on a baking sheet. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. With clean hands, toss all the ingredients together and spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 45 to 55 minutes, until the squash is tender and the glaze begins to caramelize. While roasting, turn the squash a few times with a spatula, to be sure it browns evenly. Taste for seasonings and serve hot.

I absolutely hate pumpkin pie, so that's why I'm trying out a sweet potato pie this year (Alton Brown's recipe), but I'm also not fond of regular pastry crust. Actually, I'm not a pie fan at all, but I digress... it's for the cause...

Is there another type of crust that would work? Maybe something pecan based?